This week is Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week, an entire week dedicated to appreciating self-published authors! This special week takes place between July 21st to July 27th and was started by Jodie over at the Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub blog. You can find out more about SPAAW on Jodie’s blog, as well as ways to take part.

It’s the last day, and for today’s category of anthologies, I’ve chosen to highlight anthologies of two groups of authors. Although I’m not myself part of any of these anthologies, I’m happy to be part of both groups, although I’m not particularly active in either these days.

Want to take part? You can support self-published authors by leaving a book review or shouting about your favourite self-published books on social media. Don’t forget these hashtags: SPAAW #SelfPublishedAuthorsAppreciationWeek

These are Nils’ picks for anthologies:

A Classic Anthology Spotlight for…

From the Shadows

I thought I would be the hero. Instead, I became the villain.

They curse me, call me ruthless, insane, unhinged… a monster.

But is life so black and white?

What if they took the time to understand my motivations? Would they still condemn me if they recognized the same monster lurking inside themselves? There’s a villain inside us all. Unhinge yourself from reality and walk with me into the darkness.

If you dare…

From the Shadows is an anthology of twenty-one villainous stories brought to you by the authors of Indie Fantasy Addicts.

Find From the Shadows on Goodreads.

Nils’ Comments

This is the first in an ongoing series of anthologies, each with its own theme. A fourth one is in the works, and more will surely follow. The anthology is created by members of the Indie Fantasy Addicts group on Facebook, which as implied by the name is focused on self-published fantasy books.

Read my review of From the Shadows here.

A Spotlight for a Second Classic Anthology:

Girls of Might and Magic

Find your might. Discover your magic.

A disabled teen tracks down an elusive sea beast. A young, Indian detective finds a magical artifact. A Black teen who can see the dead solves a murder mystery. An Ethiopian girl discovers magical secrets when she is kidnapped by her teacher. A teen survivor of a deadly plague realizes she and her robot companion are not alone.

Across realms, worlds, and dimensions we bring you sixteen fantasy and/or science fiction tales that explore the tribulations of growing up. Full of diverse characters and #ownvoices authors, the protagonists in these coming-of-age YA adventures will not only discover powerful magic but discover themselves along the way. Don’t miss this magical collection of stories about witches, fae, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, jinn, and more!

Find Girls of Might and Magic on Goodreads.

Nils’ Comments

Read my review of Girls of Might and Magic here.

Included Authors

• Heartburn by E. M. Lacey
• Wind and Silk by Alice Ivinya
• Faith by Sudha Kuruganti
• Grace and Ghosts by K. R. S. McEntire
• The Outside by C. C. Solomon
• Daughter of Soil and Gold by Meghan Rhine
• Check Yourself by Kat Zaccard
• A Meeting in the Woods by Nicole Givens Kurtz
• Pretty Young Things by LaLa Leo
• Funnel Cake by Amanda Ross
• Outcast by D. L. Howard
• Serenity Dawn by C. I. Raiyne
• The Cursed Gift by Courtney Dean
• Chasing Waves by Kendra Merritt
• Sight by Tonya Brown
• Memories of Magic by Ashley Ford

About Diverse Books With Magic: We are an online community of speculative fiction fans. We aim to highlight #ownvoices authors and stories with diverse characters. Join us on Facebook at “Diverse Books With Magic: Science Fiction. Fantasy. Dystopian.”